By Matthew Schofield, Kansas City Star editorial columnist

The common belief around Kansas City is that no one walks or pedals a bike.

Kansas City is a car town, and will remain one, and should remain one, is the logic.
The city is too spread out, too hilly, too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, for any outdoor mode of transport.

That's not totally true, of course.

Many Kansas Citians do walk or ride bikes. Well, starting in Octomber, there's a chance to prove it.

Kansas City will be taking part in The National Documentation Project, a study to see exactly how many folks are getting around without fossil fuels.

And, to make the count as accurate as possible, Deb Ridgway, Kansas City's Bicycle/Pedestrian coordinator, is looking for volunteers to help with the counting.

She notes that the survey will provide ammo to those pushing for city bike lanes, and new hiking and biking paths and trails. They'll be counting the walkers and riders on a number of the area trails, as well as on streets used for commuting. In all, they'll be looking at 10 different locations, at two times (October 8 and 10).

So, if you'd like to volunteer and make sure there's an accurate count: call 816 513 2592 or email .

On the other hand, and this is outside the confines and purpose of the study which is purely about collecting baseline data and is all science-y, if you're desparate to see better hiking and biking amenities in Kansas City, it's also a very good idea to plan to be on your feet or bike those days.

So, here's the deal a week from Thursday, it's important that if you ever ride to work, you ride to work. For instance, they plan to focus on access from north of the river to downtown. They'll be looking at commuting on Southwest Blvd, for those who ride in from Johnson County.

The reallity: The bigger the numbers, the bigger the chance that Kansas City adds bike lanes, soon.

For better trails, those who ride or walk around for fun, or excercise, or both, should make sure they're out doing it on Oct. 8 and 10.

Plan to be out there. Plan to get counted.

From the official release:

"Volunteers will be REQUIRED to attend a training session. Volunteers will receive their assignments, survey packets and ID at the training. The training will take place, Wednesday, October 7th, 4:30 - 5:30 PM at Mid-America Regional Council, 600 Broadway. Volunteers are needed for the following dates: Thursday, October 8th, 4:00 - 6:00 PMSaturday, October 10th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon."